Fake Dating The Enemy

9

Elizabeth

It's been 2 weeks since the engagement party and since I last saw Thomas. He's been reaching out, but I just haven't been ready to talk to him. I've been too hurt. How could he say those things about me? Granted, we've said some nasty things to each other, but that's the difference. It stayed between us and only us. Meanwhile, he was out telling anyone and everyone that I was disgusting, and I was practically not worthy of love.

There's a loud knock at the door, ripping me from my thoughts. I take my time heading over to open it. To my surprise, Thomas was standing there.

"Elizabeth."

"Why are you here, Thomas?"

"I've been worried sick about you. Nobody has heard from you since the party." I scoff at his audacity.

"I'm sorry, were you not there? Oh wait, you were. You're the sole reason I haven't been able to leave my bed in weeks. Happy?" I go to shut the door, but he keeps it open.

"It pains me to know how much it has affected you."

"Affected me? Thomas, you destroyed me. As soon as I thought we could actually be friends, I learned the truth. You're nothing, but a disgusting, hateful person." He lets out a breath, shaking his head.

"That's not me, anymore. Please, what can I do to get you to forgive me? I'll do anything. I don't want us to go back to hating each other."

"I don't want to hate you, Thomas." I say, tucking my hair behind my ear. "I also don't want Luke to win. I think we should stop seeing each other and only make it seem real for family related events. Other than that, I don't want to see you."

"So, that's it? It's over?"

"Not entirely, but yes." He takes a step back, shaking his head. "You should go, Thomas. You can go see and be with whoever you want. I'm sure Sophia is dying to hear from you."

"That's what this is about?"

"It's about a lot, Thomas." He scoffs, stepping closer.

"I don't want to be with her. I want to be with you." My heart pounds, painfully.

"That's not an option, Thomas. Please, just go."

"And if I don't?"

"Then, have fun chilling on my doorstep like a weirdo."

"Elizabeth, please. Is there anything I can do to fix this?" My heart breaks at the sound of his voice.

"I- I don't know. I'm still hurt, Thomas. I need time. I don't even know what this is... was." I say, correcting myself.

"I can do that. I can give you time. I'm really sorry for hurting you, Elizabeth. That wasn't my intention." I nod, not knowing what to say to him. He stares at me for a moment, as if trying to capture this moment in his mind before he turns around and walks back to his car. I watch as he drives away, and I slip back inside.

An hour or two go by, and there's another knock at the door followed by the doorbell. I swear if it's Thomas, I'm going to lose my mind. I open the door, and I'm surprised to see Ashley standing there.

"Hi." She says, smiling softly at me. "Can I come in?" I let her in, and we make our way to the couch to sit down.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, and she smiles.

"More importantly, how are you?"

"I've been better."

"Listen, I came to talk to you about Luke. How he treated the two of you was totally not okay." I scoff.

"That's an understatement. Listen, can I be honest with you about something? I don't want Luke to know. Can I trust you to keep a secret?" She nods. "Thomas came to see me today. It was the first time I've seen him since the party. I am so hurt by him, and I told him I didn't want to see him."

"Things are over between the two of you?"

"I- I told him I needed space. We'll still attend family events, but other than that I don't want to see him. I practically told him to see other women. I don't know what I was thinking." Ashley places a hand on my shoulder.

"Elizabeth, I know Thomas cares about you. I can see it in his eyes." I shake my head. "He does. Whatever happened before you two got together is in the past. If you need space, then take it, but don't end things over one fight. I'm going to talk to Luke. I won't tell him what you discussed with me, but I will make sure he makes things right with the two of you. If he wants to marry me he will be civil with the two of you."

"I don't want this to ruin things between the two of you." I say, honestly.

"Trust me, the two of you have done nothing wrong. Luke is to blame for the scene that was caused. He will fix it." I smile at her, thankful for her kindness. "I should go, but promise me you'll try to work things out with Thomas."

"I'll try my best." She gives me a hug, and makes her way out of the house. I let my head fall into my hands. How did I get myself into this mess?

*

Thomas

A few hours after I arrive home, the doorbell goes off. My heart skips a beat at the thought of it possibly being Elizabeth. All hope goes out the window when I see Ashley and Luke.

"What do you want?" I ask, my irritation directed at Luke and Luke alone.

"I came to apologize. I shouldn't have acted the way I did. I was drunk, and I was wrong. While I'm still not 100% convinced that the two of you are truly together, I am willing to see how things play out. If the two of you want to be together, then that's your business."

"A little late for that, Luke." I say, shaking my head. "I went to see her this morning, and she practically ended things with me. You've almost ruined something good in my life, and I don't think I could ever forgive you."

"Wait, what are you saying?"

"She wants space. I- I don't know what's going to happen between us."

"Thomas, I'm so sorry. Truly, I never wanted this to happen." I scoff, not believing a single word he says.

"I think the two of you should go." Luke nods, turning to walk away, but stops.

"If it makes a difference, my sister really seems to like you. I- I don't know if it's real or not, but if it is, don't let her go." They walk back to their car, and I'm left at the door lost in what to do at this point.